Brendan Gleeson became known to American audiences when he starred opposite Mel Gibson in the Scottish-themed movie Braveheart in 1995. Since his debut, the Irish actor has appeared in a number of big films, including Mission: Impossible II, The Tailor of Panama, Gangs of New York, Troy, the Harry Potter films, The Guard and The Treaty.

In 1997 he won the Boston Society of Film Critics Award for his portrayal of Irish criminal Martin Cahill in The General.